How F1 is breaking down the barricades to its fans

Many said last week's FOTA fan forum was the best yet, but is it really bridging the divide between the teams and the sport's most important people - the paying public? Glenn Freeman went along to find out

Forget KERS, DRS blown diffusers and Pirelli tyres for a moment. One of the most popular topics that the great and the good of the Formula 1 paddock were taken to task on at last week's FOTA Fans Forum was breaking down the walls between the sport and the people that make it the global phenomenon it has become.

"You are the most important people in this room," Ron Dennis told the fans when he gave an introductory speech before the event, welcoming them to the McLaren Technology Centre. And in this modern era where there are so many things vying for the public's attention, F1 is waking up to the need to open up to its loyal followers.